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What You Can Do To Save The Bees

One out of every three bites of food you eat comes to you courtesy of bees all over the world.

That’s according to Nicholas Weaver, honeybee expert and research technician for the University of Georgia Honey Bee Program, who spoke to our Primrose Garden Club Tuesday at the Ashford Farm in Watkinsville, Georgia.

Last season, 37 million bees died on a single North American farm. Some research believes that deadly pesticides called “neonics” are killing the bees. You can sign a petition to ask major retailers to stop selling these pesticides by visiting this link.

Harvard scientist Chensheng (Alex) Lu thinks a class of pesticides called neonicotinoids could be responsible for collapsing bee populations. The Center for Food Safety is suing the FDA over their approval of neonicotinoids. You can read more about that at this link.

However, you can be part of the solution!

Consider raising your own bees! In Georgia, you can attend the Young Harris Beekeeping Institute in May. You could even become a Master Beekeeper. Nicholas began tending bees at age 13. He said that scientific studies have found that beekeepers tend to live a longer life. Bee stings are actually a boost for your immune system – he said it’s like acupuncture with a kick!

Plant sunflowers in your garden and clover and buckwheat in your meadows. Nicholas Weaver says these are the best plants for nurturing bees.

Leave water in your garden. Nicholas Weaver said that bees like to drink water! I have a blue jar fountain in my garden. Even a dog bowl filled with water can do the trick.

Buy local organic food. When we buy organic, we are supporting farmers who are doing the hard work of keeping not only our food free of chemicals but also the land, which protects not just bees but also hummingbirds and all wildlife.

Honey is one of the greatest natural healing remedies there is.

Honey was used to dress gunshot wounds during the Civil War, according to Nicholas. It is a great natural healing remedy for killing bad bacteria.